Did you know that there are more than 7,100 urgent care centers in the United States? This is because urgent care facilities provide immediate treatment for non-life-threatening conditions, which makes them a helpful healthcare option. As a result, there are several benefits of urgent care.

1. Variety of treatment. Many urgent care locations are able to treat a wide variety of minor medical conditions. Back pain, bronchitis, dehydration, inner ear infection, influenza, and gastrointestinal illness, for example, can all be treated at most urgent care locations. Since 70% of urgent care facilities are open by 8 AM, patients can conveniently get the medical attention they need.

2. Low cost. Urgent care costs less than the emergency room. In fact, the average urgent care visit costs about $150, while a typical trip to the emergency room costs approximately $1,500. Urgent care centers even charge co-pays relative to what a doctor would charge, which also contributes to their low cost.

3. Professional staff. Most urgent care locations are required to be managed by a licensed physician. In addition, 67% of all urgent care centers employ a mix of physicians, nurse practitioners, and physicians assistants. As a result, urgent care patients get the treatment they need from qualified professionals.

There are several benefits of visiting urgent care. Not only do urgent care facilities employ professional staff members who implement a variety of treatment, but they also cost significantly less than the emergency room, as well. As a result, urgent care has become one of the most efficient ways to receive immediate medical treatment for minor conditions. Read this for more.